with ROSEMARY Mac CABE
Ageless dressing
Passing middle age needn't mean a descent into mumsy dressing and button-up tailoring; instead, think more relaxed cuts and slighter longer hemlines - but hold on to a bit of whimsy. Sleeves will save you from feeling over-exposed - see this week's star buy for a solution for sleeveless tops and dresses - and bias-cut silks are both fashionable and forgiving.
Veronica Safia print dress (€230.59) by Whistles at Asos.com
Hoss Intropia mint green smock dress (€160) at Seagreen, seagreen.ie
Printed fitted dress (€299), at Divine boutique, divine.ie
Fenn Wright Manson cranberry dress (€150) at Arnotts
Printed fitted dress (€299), at Divine boutique, divine.ie
Fenn Wright Manson cranberry dress (€150) at Arnotts
Where to shop
There is a certain age after which it becomes slightly vulgar to continue shopping at Topshop, but at which you’re not quite ready to buy all of your clothing at Boyers. Here are a few shops that offer plenty of choice for the fashion lover.
Avoca, nationwide
Beloved of yummy mummies everywhere, Avoca has a reputation for being twee. But the store's spring/summer collection should change all that, with echoes of Marni and Diane von Furstenberg at a fraction of the prices. Check out Anthology, Avoca's own label, and its jeans – high-rise and a dark wash denim. avoca.ie
Seagreen, Monkstown
This is your one-stop shop for clothing and gifts, and its newly revamped boutique also has a beauty loft. Goat is a great label for loose, relaxed and chic shapes, while J Brand's high-waisted Maria jeans – with that extra bit of stretch – should have a place in every woman's wardrobe. seagreen.ie
Marks Spencer, nationwide
So far, so unsurprising – but steer away from Per Una's safe florals and towards Limited Collection's unexpected wonders. Chunky knits are reminiscent of Isabel Marant and neutral shapes in interesting patterns are always worth a gander. And don't leave without investing in a shaping bodysuit; it does the same job as Spanx at a fraction of the price. marksandspencer.com(beware: it does not deliver to Ireland)
Wallis, concessions nationwide
If there's one universal truth in high-street fashion knowledge, it's that Philip Green's Arcadia knows its stuff when it comes to fashion. Think of Wallis as the older sister of the Arcadia kids; catwalk inspired prints, flattering shapes and trend-led wardrobe staples make it worth perusing. wallis.co.uk
Mary at House of Fraser online
Mary Portas's House of Fraser outlet is the store she created to fill the gap in the market for trendy, fashion-forward clothes for women over 40 – clothes whose hemlines aren't veering into dangerous territory, and clothes that have sleeves. The result is a collection of dresses and separates that sells out as quickly as she can design them; jeans are high-rise, dresses are loose but structured and jackets sit at flattering, below-the-hip level. Check out her no-brainer dress (pictured) for a simple, everyday solution. houseoffraser.co.uk
Fashion rules to live by, whatever your age
1 If you think it's too short, it's too short.Don't go out in it – you'll only spend the day pulling at it. The same goes for items that could be too tight.
2 Cleavage is no bad thing.If you feel paranoid about yours, invest in some camisoles from Penneys or Dunnes; you can usually buy a pack of two for less than €10. A good bra will also ensure you remain on the right side of tacky.
3 High heels are not just for the young and daring.The latest range from Clarks has technology that will keep you comfortable and, crucially, upright in yours.
4 Your make-up should change as you do. if you're still wearing the same base as you were when your skin was young and fancy-free, you might want to take a trip to your local department store for a re-evaluation. Clarins does a great range for the over-40s and Clinique's skincare is hard to beat.
5 Don't be afraid to change your hair.Though you may be happy with a style that's been yours since you first began to highlight your mane in 1982, as Sheryl Crow might croon, a change would do you good. Feel the fear and then, by God, go ahead and do it anyway. For all those times you wish your dresses weren't sleeveless, armoury by Mary Portas in association with Charnos will come to your rescue — in a variety of colours and textures. €22 at Arnotts
